SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket on Monday night, lighting up the skies over Southern California. The launch, which took place at 8:36 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, was visible for miles. Many residents reported seeing a bright streak across the sky, creating a stunning visual display.
The rocket’s mission involved carrying 26 Starlink satellites into orbit. It reached low Earth orbit approximately 8½ minutes after liftoff. This flight marked the third mission for the rocket’s first stage booster, which successfully landed on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
SpaceX is well-known for its eye-catching rocket launches and the vapor trails they leave behind. This particular launch was no exception, as it drew attention from both local residents and those hundreds of miles away. The company shared updates on social media, highlighting the successful deployment of the satellites.
In the past, SpaceX has also made headlines for the loud sonic booms created during its operations, which have startled many in the region. Just last month, a sonic boom from a SpaceX cargo vessel rattled windows across a wide area in Los Angeles.
As SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink satellite network, launches like this one are becoming more frequent, bringing both excitement and curiosity to communities across California. The company’s ability to deliver high-speed internet to remote areas is a significant part of its mission, and each successful launch brings it one step closer to achieving that goal.